Dickeyville, Wisconsin: Dickeyville Grotto

Rocks and found junk were fashioned into an elaborate religious grotto by a priest on a Mission from God. Washington, Lincoln, and Christopher Columbus make cameo appearances.

Interesting art. Gift shop is fun. Next to a park with picnic tables and play equipment. Great place for a picnic.

The Dickeyville Grotto was a must on our concrete tour of Wisconsin. It is so amazingly weird and wonderful, full of color and treasures within the mosaics. The inside chapel is a freaky "Where's Waldo?" of 1920s religious artifacts. The people running the show are very nice and accommodating. The gift shop will for sure fulfill your Dickeyville Grotto snow globe needs. And they have a pop machine.

A group of shrines and a grotto made of stone, mortar and bright colored objects -- collected materials from all over the world. The site is dedicated to Catholicism and American patriotism, but it is interesting for all to see. The main building was built by hand with no blueprints.

We happened to be driving through Dickeyville when the Grotto suddenly appeared in the center of town and we slammed on the brakes. It was really unexpected! In addition to the Grotto garden and shrines, there is now a gift shop that carries religious gifts as well as souvenirs and is open 9-5 every day April 1 through October 31. Guided tours are also available June 1 through August 31, seven days a week, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. During May, September and October tours are only on weekends. There is no specific fee, but a "recommended" donation is $2.00.

In the basement of the Holy Ghost Church is an ongoing "flea market" type of sale by the church ladies.